With short winter days come long winter nights, and those who are looking to keep the endorphins flowing into the nocturnal hours will find peace in the zen-like qualities of night skiing. While the typical daytime ski experience is bustling with guests, rentals, lessons, and commensurate lift lines, the evening hours provide a respite where the mountain takes a deep breath — exhaling blissfully as the sun goes down. For those who crave the solitude of quiet, lumen-filled laps, night skiing on Mt. Hood is a must-do experience.
Located less than an hour from downtown Hood River, Mt. Hood is the premier destination for those who want to make the most of a ski trip day or night. With three resorts, including Mt. Hood Meadows, Timberline Lodge & Ski Area, and Mt. Hood Skibowl, each offering night skiing opportunities, there are endless thrills (or meditative moments) to be had.
Credits: Richard Hallman & Mt Hood Meadows
Mt Hood Meadows
The closest night skiing option to Hood River, Mt. Hood Meadows is open for after-dark skiing and snowboarding from 5-9 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. Known to locals as simply ‘Meadows’, their Night Passes are valid all season and are a good option for those who want to make night skiing a regular part of their winter routine. If you find yourself only in the area for a brief time, nightly lift tickets are also available. Meadows offers a plethora of runs for skiers and snowboarders of all levels with its unique, playful terrain and ample snowpack averaging 349” per year. At night, you’re likely to see ski racers training gates, couples on ski dates, and empty chairs — with no wait — let’s go!
Timberline Lodge & Ski Area
Timberline Lodge & Ski Area offers night skiing terrain for all skill levels. From 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays through Sundays, skiers and snowboarders can schuss the lower slopes of Mt. Hood under starry (or stormy) skies, with lighted runs (including the Thunder and School Yard terrain parks) off of the Pucci and Bruno’s lifts that also provide convenient access to the historic Timberline Lodge for warming up between runs.
Mt Hood Ski Bowl
Home to the country’s largest night skiing operation, Mt. Hood Skibowl is a memorable adventure for all. The mountain has 34 illuminated runs for skiers and snowboarders to explore, with all lifts spinning late into the night, including Lower Bowl, Upper Bowl, Multorpor, and Cascade. Starting at 3 p.m. and open until 10-11 p.m.(depending on the day), the mountain welcomes all for a good time. In between runs, the Starlight Cafe and Multorpor Cafe are open to grab a hot chocolate or check out the Beer Stube, 70 Meters Bar & Grill at the base of the mountain, or the historic Mid-Mountain Warming Hut for additional warming options.
Not a skier or snowboarder? Mt. Hood Skibowl also hosts Cosmic Tubing every weekend night from 5-11:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and from 5-9 p.m. on Sundays. With more than 600,000 LED lights, laser light shows, black lights, colored lights, and music, this is a family-fun party you won’t want to miss. No need to put in the hard work; just sit back and relax on the tube while the dual conveyor lifts drop you at the top of the tube hill.
Where To Stay
After a day (and night) on the slopes, Hood River’s variety of lodging options provide a welcome retreat for weary legs and sore muscles. Whether you’re looking to stay in the heart of downtown’s vibrant atmosphere or within closer proximity to the mountain, Hood River makes it easy to rejuvenate for the next day’s adventures. There’s no time like the present to schedule that long ski weekend, including a night or two on the slopes of Mt. Hood. Tips up!
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